DEVELOPING: The Rays have offered arbitration to Type B free agents C Gregg Zaun and LHP Brian Shouse; they are still deciding on RHP Russ Springer though it appears unlikely.

To make room on the 40-man roster for new C Kelly Shoppach, RH reliever Jeff Bennett was designated for assignment.

By offering arbitration, the Rays will receive a compensatory draft pick (between rounds 1 and 2) if either Zaun or Shouse decline the offer by their Dec. 8 deadline and sign elsewhere. If either accepts arbitration, they are considered a signed player, with their salary to be determined. The Rays previously declined $2-million options on both, and it could be the Rays are confident both will decline arbitration because they have better offers.

Bennett, 29, didn't do much after being acquired on Aug. 1 following his release by the Braves, compiling a 9.95 ERA while pitching in 11 games.

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